PM 'determined to deport Qatada'

David Cameron and the King of Jordan have reaffirmed their determination to find a way of securing the deportation from Britain of terror suspect Abu Qatada.

PUBLISHED: 08:41, Tue, Dec 11, 2012

Abu Qatada was granted bail following the Siac ruling last month and released from Long Lartin priso [PA]

The Prime Minister and King Abdullah discussed the long-running battle to have Qatada removed to stand trial in Jordan during talks in Downing Street. They were briefed on the subject by Home Secretary Theresa May.

The Special Immigration Appeals Commission (Siac) last month upheld Qatada's appeal against deportation as it ruled that despite assurances from the Arab kingdom, it could not be sure evidence from witnesses who had been tortured would not be included in a retrial in his homeland.

The Government is appealing against the decision but Qatada - convicted of terror charges in Jordan in his absence in 1999 - remains in the UK on bail conditions including a 16-hour curfew, wearing an electronic tag, not using the internet, and not contacting certain people.

It was reported that he has moved house to what is believed to be a larger home in the greater London area.

The appeal is not expected to be heard until the new year.

The Prime Minister said last month he was "fed up" that Qatada remained in Britain, following his release from Long Lartin jail.

The Jordanian government, which has worked with UK ministers to try to facilitate his return, also expressed their disappointment with the decision.

After the talks, a Number 10 spokesman said: "The King and the Prime Minister emphasised the commitment in both countries to continue to work closely together to find a solution that would allow his return to Jordan."

The two men also discussed Jordan's forthcoming parliamentary elections and issues in the wider Middle East, including Syria, Egypt, and Israel and the Palestinian territories.